FOX TWP. – At the 4th Annual Heritage Gala on Friday evening, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery were presented with the Heritage Award for the many roles they have played in seeing to the spiritual, educational and other needs of the St. Marys community.

FOX TWP. – At the 4th Annual Heritage Gala on Friday evening, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery were presented with the Heritage Award for the many roles they have played in seeing to the spiritual, educational and other needs of the St. Marys community.
The event, held at The Red Fern in Fox Twp., was entitled “Reach for the Stars,” with décor provided by St. Marys resident Paul Schneider and a constellation-themed Lenten menu by The Red Fern’s Chef Charles. The Gala was hosted by the Elk County School System Advancement Office in partnership with O’Leary Giovanni Wealth Management Group and The Red Fern.
Father Michael Ferrick, president of the Elk County Catholic School System and pastor of Queen of the World Parish, gave the welcome and opening prayer. Mary Meyer, director of advancement for ECCSS, discussed the history of the sisters, who arrived a few short years after St. Marys was founded in 1842 and have been providing education and ministry to area residents ever since. A slideshow at the event highlighted their contributions and they were presented with the Heritage Award, which honors individuals, living or deceased, who have made a significant impact on Catholic education in St. Marys.
Sisters present at the event were Sr. Anne, Sr. Roberta, Sr. Margoretta, Sr. Helen, Sr. Victoria, Sr. Mary David, and Sr. Mary James.
“The rich heritage of Catholic education in St. Marys continues,” Meyer said. “We are so grateful to all who partner with us to advance our mission and share our vision.
“We build community. We gather to celebrate, for we are a people of hope, vision and peace.”
Meyer explained that “Reach for the Stars” was chosen as the theme for this year’s Gala because “all of us are called to reach for the stars in many ways.”

Pick up a copy of the Monday, April 2, 2012 edition of The Ridgway Record for more.